Top 20 Life-Changing Inventions from 2016

Inventors created countless life-changing inventions during 2016 that will make the world a better and safer place.

There was a lot of good that emerged in 2016, despite what the media would have you to believe, including countless life-changing inventions. Over-shadowed by many disasters and tragedies were plenty of amazing and good things that happened.

Reversible Tent

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Reversible Tent

WeatherHYDE is a life-saving tent. Inventors developed it for people who have been made homeless, or have become refugees. It features a reversible design. During extreme heat, the occupant places the reflective side externally to keep the inside cool. In severe cold, the occupant then turns it inside out to create insulation and warmth.

Eye scanning grocery checkout

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016

The World Food Programme (UN) has innovated an iris-scanning device which can provide greater security and safety for Syrian refugees. It means that food can be distributed fairly when refugees shop for groceries.

Robotic Utensils

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Robotic Utensils

People with conditions such as Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy can finally regain their dignity when eating, thanks to the life-changing invention of robotic utensils. Computerized, and filled with motors and sensors, these mealtime robots enable stability and prevent spills.

Edible Utensils

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Edible Utensils

Bakeys is an Indian company that have created edible utensils made of either sorghum, rice or wheat. They also come in different flavors to enhance meals. Sturdy, they don’t dissolve in soups, and have a shelf life of 2-years.

Edible food packaging

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Edible food packaging

The US Department of Agriculture have created a biodegradable plastic-imitating wrap for preserving stored food. It is made from casein, a milk protein. It keeps food oxygen-free 500 times more successfully than regular plastic, thereby keeping food even fresher.

Edible Drone

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Edible Drone

2016 has seen far too many humanitarian disasters, and the silver-lining has been the innovation of so many life-changing inventions like this edible drone. All of it can be used to save lives. As well as carrying vital relief items, it is made of plywood that can be used as firewood, and has wings that contain protective covers to be used for shelter, and food.

No-electricity cooler from recycled bottles

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – No-electricity cooler from recycled bottles

The Eco-Cooler is a true innovation for developing countries that lack access to electricity. Made from discarded plastic bottles cut in half, the neck of each bottle compresses the hot air that it collects, and cools it down.

Life-saving baby feeding cup

The inexpensive NIFTY cup is designed to change the lives of infants in third world countries that are not able to be breastfed. They have a specifically designed spout which takes portions of milk from the cup, that fits perfectly into a newborn’s mouth, preventing malnutrition and death.

Smart toy for socializing Autistic children

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Smart toy for socializing Autistic children

Leka is multi-sensory, interactive and super cute. Able to engage autistic children successfully, it uses lights, vibration and music, and encourages autonomy. It even speaks to the child. It is entirely customizable to become a perfect fit for the child’s needs.

Coastline cleaning device

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Coastline cleaning device

17-year-old Boyan Slat, a young Dutch entrepreneur, conceived a genius system that cleans up the ocean. He has called it “Boomy McBoomface”, and it catches garbage floating on the surface and transports it to a central tower for sorting and disposal. It works as an artificial coast line, and should start cleaning the oceans by June.

Footpath traffic lights

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Footpath traffic lights

We have to admit that smartphones are here to stay, and that it is an addiction that is now an integral part of our society. So Stadtwerke Augsburg, the German public transport provider, has embedded traffic lights into crosswalks around the country. Now you can keep your head down and still keep safe!

Facebook Disaster Service

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Facebook Disaster Service

Another innovation that comes as a silver-lining to all the catastrophes of 2016, Facebook have created “Community Help”, a tool that can connect people caught in a disaster zone in order to arrange rescue, and the provision of survival essentials. People can check in with loved ones to see if they are okay.

Biodegradable six-pack rings

A Florida brewery has invented compostable and biodegradable six-pack rings which can save the lives of aquatic animals who, in the past, have become caught in the plastic versions. Made from edible products like barley and wheat, which are byproducts from the brewing process, they also can be safely consumed by sea creatures.

Lawyer Bot

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Lawyer Bot

Joshua Browder, an undergrad at Stanford University, has created an app which uses a bot to assist low-income people who are facing eviction. This virtual lawyer can custom design claims letters and give basic legal advice. The service is free, so it helps people in poverty to save money in legal fees.

Deaf Danger Detector

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Deaf Danger Detector

A New York startup called Furenexo created a wearable device designed to become triggered by sirens and car horns. Excitingly, this means that deaf people can be alerted in an emergency about imminent danger. Called “SoundSense,” it vibrates to alert the wearer.

Low-cost Zika Test

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Low-cost Zika Test

The devastating Zika epidemic of last year compelled urgent research to find a cure. MIT researchers were able to create a low-cost test that contains a series of dots that change color when exposed to the virus. Costing only a dollar for each test, doctors can issue results in hours, rather than days.

Rip resistant condom

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Rip resistant condom

Sex is getting even safer and more comfortable with the invention of the LELO HEX condom. It has a hexagonal pattern that is moldable to the user. It is more durable than other condoms.

Custom-molded prosthetic leg

AMPARO, a German startup, developed a custom prosthetic that simplifies the fitting process of prosthetic limbs. Called the “Dignity Socket,” it molds to fit anyone. Usually, doctors take several weeks to get a prosthetic fitted. However, with this life-changing invention, it is ready for wear in a couple of hours.

All-terrain wheelchair

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – All-terrain wheelchair

Inventors re-purposed bicycles that can be reassembled in third world countries. Named the “SafariSeat,” it is also designed to be durable enough for all-terrains. People with mobility issues are able to propel themselves forward using hand levers.

Elevated Bus

Top 20 Life Changing Inventions from 2016 – Elevated Bus

China have created a specially designed elevated bus that cars can drive underneath. Electric powered, it can hold 1200 passengers and is more cost-effective than regular public transportation. While experts are still resolving certain safety issues, they hope it can cut down traffic jams and maximize road space.